First Community Health Grant

(SHELBY, NC) – The HealthCare Foundation of Cleveland County today announced the recipient and program for the organization’s first Community Health Grant under its newly expanded mission. In late 2014, the foundation, formerly known as the Cleveland Memorial Hospital Foundation, changed its name to the HealthCare Foundation of Cleveland County. The board of directors also revised the by-laws from funding “bricks and mortar” only to also support, supplement, enhance and enrich hospital facilities, healthcare programs and services designed to improve the health and wellness of the citizens of Cleveland County and provide grants to aligned non-profit organizations in support of initiatives that address the social determinants of health.

Board Chairman Frank Beam stated, “We believe this fundamental change in our mission represents the future direction of the foundation’s work in our community and sets a directive that we will continue to grow into one of Cleveland County’s most valuable assets when it comes to improving the health and welfare of all our citizens.” Earlier this year, the board also hired the organization’s first full-time Executive Director.

During an invitation only social event of community leaders, healthcare professionals and donors, the foundation announced its first Community Health Grant will be awarded to the Foothills Farmers’ Market to bring an innovative program focused on childhood nutrition to Cleveland County. In making the announcement, Dick Baker, Executive Director of the foundation said, “This unique program is a perfect example of how a community foundation focused on healthcare can have a direct impact. Nothing could be more significant in improving the health of our community than programs that educate our children on the benefits of proper nutrition as the key ingredient to a healthy life.”

Foothills Farmers’ Market is the cornerstone of Cleveland County’s rapidly growing local food movement. They provide community access to the freshest local foods available anywhere with a direct connection to more than 70 producer certified vendors. Next spring, Foothills Farmers’ Market will begin a nationally recognized children’s program called Power of Produce (POP).

POP connects kids ages 3-12 with their food source and allows them to take ownership of food choices by doing their own shopping. Each week children visit the market they will receive a $2 token redeemable for fresh produce or food based plants. “We are thrilled to offer this program to our patrons,” said Amber Brown, President of the Foothills Farmers’ Market Board of Directors, “it would not be possible without the generosity of our community partner, The HealthCare Foundation of Cleveland County.”

The Market will collaborate with local organizations to offer weekly activities that engage participants in the full farmers’ market experience: trying new foods, having conversations with farmers and buying local. Brown says weekly activities will range from cooking demonstrations to market scavenger hunts and will provide nutrition, food, agriculture, and exercise based education. She says, “By teaching our children to make healthy choices we hope to substantially impact their wellbeing and create habits that last a lifetime.”

The $11,600 grant will be used to purchase startup equipment and supplies including the $2 token system; vigorous marketing of the POP program within the community and school system; provide participation incentives to regular attendees and groups with the highest attendance; and finance an end of season celebration.

“We are excited about this collaborative program that brings the community together to focus on the health education of our young people, as they are our future. Through participation in the POP program, not only will the children benefit, but also their family will be influenced to make healthier choices; and that is one way the foundation can have a lasting impact on our citizens,” said Baker.

During the event, the foundation also announced that a website for the organization is now under development at www.HealthCareFoundationCC.org and will contain information on the organization’s initiatives and community outreach. The board of directors is currently led by Chairman Frank Beam. Other members include Vice Chairman; Bryon Gragg, John Barker, Sr., Larry Corry, Jamey Davis, John Fraley, Brian Gwyn, Larry Hamrick, Jr., Wade Hendricks, Phillip Poston, Kip Smith, Joe Suttle IV, Skip Warrick, Kathy Wilson and Kevin Williams.

The HealthCare Foundation of Cleveland County is a 501-(C)(3) non-profit organization. All gifts are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.